You’re invited to attend Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ (EICC) Juneteenth Lunch and Learn event, featuring a thought-provoking keynote presentation and panel discussion. We’re bringing together prominent voices in our community to commemorate Juneteenth, celebrate the spirit of unity, and explore ways to make a positive impact.
Juneteenth Lunch & Learn
Thursday, June 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Scott Community College Belmont Campus, Culinary Arts Building
500 Belmont Rd., Bettendorf, IA 52722
Keynote Presentation
12 – 12:30 p.m.
Keynote speaker Reverend Dwight Ford will deliver a presentation on the history of
Juneteenth and emphasize the importance of community involvement in promoting education
and providing resources to uplift African American communities in the Quad Cities.
Rev. Ford is the Executive Director of Project NOW, a community-action agency dedicated to serving low-income families and seniors in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties. With an impressive background that includes leadership roles at the Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Rock Island, Rev. Ford is a respected figure in community development. He brings a wealth of experience as a U.S. Marine Veteran, ordained Baptist pastor, and founder of Grace City Church in Rock Island.
Rev. Ford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Illinois University and a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University. He is currently pursuing a dual program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Panel Discussion
12:30 – 1 p.m.
A panel discussion will immediately follow the keynote presentation. Together with four panel members, you’ll engage in a lively discussion, offering diverse perspectives on a path toward progress.
- Jasmine Berry, SCC Student
- Martin Baker, Verity IT Business Owner
- Tim Kelly, City of Davenport Alderman, Ward 5
- Thea Holmon-Ellis, SCC Academic Advisor
Members of the public are welcome to attend this event.
EICC employees and students must RSVP for the BBQ lunch by filling out this form. A vegetarian option is available.
Contact
For questions regarding the event, please reach out to Ragan Baker, SCC Academic Advisor, at 563-441-4003 or rfbaker@eicc.edu.
Can’t make it to our Juneteenth Lunch and Learn? EICC representatives will be at the Juneteenth Festival community event, Saturday, June 17, at the Lincoln Center in Davenport. There will be a booth present with admission materials and an interactive trivia game about community colleges. Be sure to stop by and say, ‘hello!’